Layered Collage Tutorial

This is my first tutorial so bear with me. I'll post each day as I'm working on it.

Supplies: Canvas, decorative papers, paper cutter, modge podge or other decoupage glue, brush for glue, xacto knife, colored tissue papers, mulberry paper, scissors, acrylic paints and brushes for paint.

Step 1: Cut decorative papers into 1 inch squares

Step 2: Glue squares onto canvas in a diagonal pattern putting glue only on the bottom, not on top. Let it dry.

Step 3: After it is completely dry trim off any squares that are hanging over the edge

Step 4: Apply a coat of Modge Podge or favorite decoupage glue to the entire canvas. I do not recommend using a sponge brush because they tend to make bubbles on the paper. Do brush the glue on in a diagonal pattern to match the squares.

Tune in tomorrow for more steps and to see the progress of this piece.

P.S. I'm starting to put my jewelry up on etsy. Get it before it's gone!

Junior League of Newnan Show

I'm hitting the road again this weekend with my wares! I'll be in Newnan, Georgia at a Handmade Art show sponsored by the Junior League. Don't forget to check my etsy store for holiday gift items at http://www.etsy.com/shop/aelizabeth.

Happy November.

Wristlet Sale this week at my Etsy

This week only my wristlets are $10 at my etsy store. These make great gifts for teachers, moms, sisters and your girlfriends.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aelizabeth?ref=seller_info

John Jarrard Foundation

Here's my piece for the John Jarrard Foundation Auction. It takes place this Thursday, September 23rd. Visit http://www.johnjarrardfoundation.com/ for more information.

on the smallish side - and just right

These little cuties are on the smallish side and will fit right into a larger bag. Perfect for teacher gifts, your best friend or you favorite aunt. Just tuck your favorite lip gloss or a gift card in the bag and it's ready to go. The wristlets are great for pulling out of your larger bag when you just need the essentials. I used mine today for volunteering at the kids elementary school. It's the perfect size to fit my wallet, keys and phone in without the hassle of a larger bag.

This is just a sampling of sizes and colors. I will have more choices at the Hearts and Hands Emporium on September 25 &26 at First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Georgia. I'll also be posting a few on my etsy shop soon. I'll be sure to let you know when I do.

Many of my designs will also be available for custom ordering with monogramming for that personal touch.

Preview of Handbags

Here is a preview of the handbags I'll be adding to my shop very soon. A trunkload of these and many more fun accessories will also be available at the Hearts and Hands gift show in September. I'm having so much fun designing and creating these fun fashion accessories and I know you'll enjoy using them just as much.

Interested in hosting a party where your friends can order custom a.elizabeth bags? For hosting a party you will receive an a.elizabeth hostess gift and can earn credit for more of your own a.elizabeth bags and accessories to add to your wardrobe.

Flowers, Birds and Moms

Yesterday I spent 5 hours in the studio furiously creating. It doesn't always come that easy so when it does I don't want to stop. With my garden planted, birds waking me in the early morning and mother's day just around the corner Spring is here and I'm loving it.

I started yesterday with the flowers. It was an article in the latest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine. I've never sat down and actually done a project step by step out of CPS but I did and I love the results. I liked it so much I continued on with the birds and then the chicks.

On another note, I've been struggling with my mantle since Christmas decorations came down so after seeing this idea in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine I did it as a tribute to Mother's day.

Spring Fling

Here's my most recent work. It's a mixed media piece I did for Children of Grace Preschool's Auction this Friday March 19th. My boys attended this wonderful school and I love being a part of this event every year.

For more information on the auction call Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, Georgia.

Happy February

With only two weeks to Valentines it's time to think about that special card for your sweetie. I found this one today on etsy at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=recently_listed_items&listing_id=39769560&show_panel=true

If you're feeling crafty and want to make your card go to http://www.graphicsfairy.com/ for lots of great ideas and free clip art. For kids to give to class mates I like this idea http://24-7-365.blogspot.com/2009/02/lavish-me-with-praise.html

Sweet Cakes

Today's find is calorie free cupcakes. I love these and as a bonus they are filled with lavendar.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=recently_listed_items&listing_id=39199835

Sleet + Chance of Snow in Georgia = Shopping online

With a winter storm moving across the nation what better time to get online and do some shopping. My favorite online shop to get lost in is http://www.etsy.com/ . If you haven't visited yet...do it now.

I found this great little bag at one of my favorite shops, Louloubell's, and she has many other colors, patterns and designs to choose from. See it at www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37784872

Featured Find!

Okay, this is a new thing for me and I'll see if i can keep it up. In my love of handmade I'm featuring my find of the day on etsy or other sites that sell handmade items.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30777499

Still working on my spring 'She' collection that will feature magnets, mini paintings, large paitings, jewelry and more.

Winter Wishes

Well, I'm not a huge fan of winter but on my quest to be more positive I'd like to share what I do enjoy about winter.

We had a snow day last Friday, all half and inch of it but it was great because for a few hours our world was white and everything stopped to enjoy it. See that is the benefit of living in the south. When it snows in Georgia it is a gift to be treasured by young and old (well I'm not that old). It's when you see parents out with their kids trying to sled. I say trying because really it was only a half an inch after a few slides down the hill the snow is gone and the kids are just sledding on cold grass. A snow day is a suprise holiday when you have a fire, roast marshmellows and drink lots of hot chocolate.

What makes your heart sing?

So what is it that you do that makes everything in the world feel right? What makes your heart sing? For me it's art, not just any art will do though. When my creative urge hits and I get to the studio for painting, sewing, weaving, whatever it is, I am at complete inner peace. I read author Elizabeth Gilbert explain the creative process of 'creative genius' in that the 'genius' part was like a spiritual experience, a muse so to speak that comes and goes. She said that the artist or creators job was to show up and the creative genius took over. I kind of get that analogy because it really does work that way for me. Either it's there or it isn't. I can't force it all I can do is show up or run to the studio when it does.

So I ask, what is your muse? What makes your heart sing?

She

These are my newest in a series I am beginning called 'She'. These two were made for my sweet nieces, Brynn and Aleah, for Christmas. This series will reflect on females amidst the cultural pressures of 'beauty and acceptance' by relating inner beauty and the complete acceptance found in relationship with our heavenly father.

If you are looking for a special thank you for a mom, sister, daughter or girlfriend I can tailor the sentiments to make a unique gift. I really enjoy doing a piece with someone in mind because it has so much more meaning to it that way. Art for art sake is not really my thing.

Happy 2010 and here's to making this year a creative and exciting journey!